Embracing Change for the Greater Good

It is said
that “the only constant is change,” but in some organizations this notion is
fiercely resisted – regardless of the positive impact it could have on the
business as a whole.

Just because
something has been done the same way for decades doesn’t make it the best way,
or the most efficient. Consider what the market would look like today if there were
no FedEx/UPS, Internet or other innovations that have dramatically changed the
way we do business.

In many
instances, people are threatened by the mere notion of change and how it could
affect their roles within an organization. 
This is driven by insecurities and human nature to protection one’s
self.  Company leaders need to recognize that
these people may, without intent, be inhibiting progress to protect the world
they know.  Their reluctance to seek
better ways and embrace new ideas may provide temporary security, but in the
long run inhibit progress and a company’s overall future success.

Those
looking to make their corner of the world bigger, not better, are risking the
ongoing viability of their company’s success, as well as their own.  Leaders should trust their managers to make
sound decisions, but also validate to ensure they are doing right by the
business and not just themselves.  To
borrow a quote from President Ronald Reagan, which he used
frequently when discussing U.S. relations with the Soviet Union: “doveryai, no proveryai or “trust, but verify.”

Businesses
that refuse to evolve and evaluate different options to enhance their
operations will quickly become irrelevant and outdated.  This cannot be more evident than in supply
chain logistics.  Being innovative and
forthcoming with change and progress will only enhance a company’s position in
the marketplace – it shows others they are leading the charge, not just
following others in front of them.  They
should look at what their competitors are doing to be successful and consider
mirroring those strategies, improving upon them if possible.  Company leaders should also listen to feedback
and make decisions for the good of the organization as a whole – not just for
what benefits one department or a single  business partner.

Change
should not occur for the sake of change; it must yield positive impact. Embracing
constructive change and keeping a close eye on operational decision making will
help ensure your business adapts and thrives well into the future.